Linus Tech Tips: Masters of the YouTube Intro Hook
Hey video editors, if you want viewers glued to your screen, you gotta learn from the best. And when it comes to amazing intros, Linus Tech Tips (LTT) is king. Those guys know how to grab your attention with humor, snazzy editing, and just the right amount of absurdity.
Let's break down some of their recent intros and see what we can steal – I mean, learn – for our own projects.
Intro #1: The Old-School Nostalgia Trip
"You've seen a portable projector. You've seen a CRT. But have you seen a portable CRT projector?"
Boom! LTT hits us with an old, expensive projector, a vintage video filter, that classic 4:3 video ratio, and even a shot of Sonic Adventure on the Dreamcast (Side note: I loved that game when I was a kid).
Plus, Linus is dressed like a middle schooler making a PB&J sandwich. It's hilarious, perfectly on-theme, and makes you want to see what else they've got up their sleeve.
Takeaway: Don't be afraid to get weird. If your client's talking about something old-school, embrace it! Throw on some retro filters, change the aspect ratio, and have some fun with it. You can even suggest little gags or references to your client. Be a creative partner, not just a button-pusher!
Intro #2: A Bit of Risqué Humor
"This inside your computer probably looks something like this or this or maybe this, but whoa, whoa, whoa..."
Okay, LTT's going a little PG-13 here, and I'm digging it. In the first few seconds, we get this cool journey into a computer monitor with cheesy WordArt-style text popping up. But then – whoosh – we zoom in on something mysterious...
Turns out it's a... stick? But they throw a little censor blur on it, add the text "OnlyFans," and BAM – your brain does the rest. It's silly, unexpected, and totally memorable.
Takeaway: Sprinkle in some humor (as long as your client is cool with it!). Subtle innuendos, unexpected visuals, and a touch of the absurd can make your intros unforgettable.
Intro #3: The 'Big Bucks' Bonanza
"People pay big bucks for the fastest PC. So then you think conversely, if you buy the slowest components, you should save a ton of money, right?"
This one's a bit tamer, but still super effective. When Linus says "big bucks" – cha-ching! – cash flies onto the screen with sound effects. Then, they ditch stock footage and act out a little skit. It's simple, visually engaging, and reinforces the message perfectly.
Takeaway: Don't overcomplicate things. A few well-placed motion graphics, funny sound effects, or a quick scene change can pack a serious punch. Those confetti cannons? Pure comedy gold!
The LTT Secret Sauce
Linus Tech Tips understands the power of the first 10 seconds. That's why they pour so much creativity into their intros. And you should too!
Steal their techniques, experiment, and have fun with those opening moments. It'll make a world of difference in keeping your audience hooked.
Hat's off to the LTT video editors who worked on these videos:
Now, tell me – which YouTube channels make you think, "Damn, those editors are killing it!" Let me know in the comments; I'm always on the lookout for more inspiration!
